Soul food of

A GUIDE FOR SeoulVEGETARIANS Contents

How to use this Book...... 03 A Fresh Tastes of ...... 04 Characteristics of Hansik...... 06 Recommended Korean Foods for Vegetarians...... 08 Recommended Restaurants for Vegetarians...... 10 Temple Food Restaurants ...... 11 Vegetarian Restaurants...... 13 Restaurants with a Vegetarian Menu...... 14 How to use Halal Restaurants...... 18 Ordering Tips for Vegetarians...... 22 this Book Useful Phrases at Restaurants...... 23 For Korean cuisine is ideal for vegetarians. Bibimbap, one of Korea’s most representative dishes, has Recommended many vegetarian varieties. Many of its colorful Vegetarian Dishes ingredients hail from the fields and mountains → across the peninsula. In addition, tofu, the most See pg. 08 popular side dish, festive foods such as Korean pancakes and stir-fried glass noodles are also great tasting vegetarian options.

Find Vegetarian There are many restaurants in Seoul where vegetarians can dine. Listed in this section are Dishes to several specially-selected restaurants divided into Suit Your Palate three categories: 1) Temple food restaurants, 2) → Vegetarian restaurants, and 3) Restaurants with See pg. 10 vegetarian dishes. Distinguishing features, key menu items, hours, directions and telephone numbers are also provided.

Seoul Dining Soul Food of Seoul: A GUIDE FOR VEGETARIANS Most Korean dishes are vegetable-based, making Publishing Date Feb., 2013 | Published by Seoul Metropolitan Government, Tourism Business Division | Planning How to Order it possible to customize them to your liking. & Production Design SOOMOKWON Vegetarian at * For further information on Seoul Tourism, visit our website (www.visitseoul.net) or mobile application i Tour Seoul. Indicate to the staff when ordering that you would a Regular Restaurant like your dish without meat or other animal by- • The restaurants and menus recommended in this guide book have been carefully selected by a panel of experts and consultants in the field. → products. You will also be able to enjoy many • Copyrights to content and images in this book belong to Seoul Metropolitan Government and pertaining See pg. 22 of the side dishes even if the main dish is not organizations and individuals. This book may not be reproduced in part or in whole without the express permis- vegetarian. sion of the copyright owners. 03 A Fresh Tastes of Seoul Today, the world is growing ever-more appreciative of hansik, or Korean cuisine. The United States First Lady Michelle Obama has declared her love of kimchi, while the efficacy of Korean dishes has a firm fan base within Hollywood. However, it is in Seoul where you will find hansik at its most authentic, and the ideal place to begin your journey through its many forms. If you are vegetarian, will find plenty to appreciate in hansik, and Seoul is full of delicious delights for you to enjoy.

04 05 A Wealth of Condiments and Dressings Korean dishes tend to be highly seasoned and charac- teristically make use of soy sauce, sugar, green onions, garlic, sesame seeds, sesame oil, black pepper, and chilli powder among other ingredients for flavoring. The predominance of these natural additives helps give Korean cuisine its signature robust, sweet, and Well-balanced and Nutritious spicy tastes. Korean meals are a careful balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, fats, vitamins and minerals. Starting with rice or noodles, a typical Korean meal is enhanced with various meats, fish, vegetables, seaweeds and fruits. Animal fats are kept to a minimum, with the Devotion and Dedication necessary fats and other nutrients supplemented Ingredients found in a typical Korean dish are usually through seeds and nuts, in particular sesame seeds, chopped, thinly-sliced, shredded, or crushed during the walnuts, pine, and gingko nuts. preparation process, and the end result is frequently tender and easy to digest. Kimchi in particular requires dedicated effort during cutting, seasoning, and fermen- tation of the ingredients.

All-natural and Low in Fat Korea’s diverse climate allows for a wide array of seasonal ingredients, including field and mountain greens, mushrooms, seafood and meats. They are enjoyed not only for their distinctive flavors, but also as nutritional supplements. Side dishes are typically not fried, while other dishes including soups, stews, and meats are boiled. Meats in particular are cooked by boiling and steaming for long periods to drain off excess fat.

Characteristics of Hansik 06 07 Korean Pancakes Kimchi pancakes, green onion pancakes and mung bean pancakes - these are a few Recommended of the many Korean pancake variations. They’re crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside, and you can choose what to put Korean Foods for in the pancake. These pancakes taste best when shared with friends, so order a few pancakes with friends, and don’t forget to Vegetarians order makgeolli. ⓒKorea Tourism Organization

Wild Vegetable Bibimbap Jelly Bibimbap is a representative Korean dish This is a savory jelly, which takes many forms that pleases both the eye and mouth. An and colors depending upon the ingredients assortment of aromatic wild vegetables are used. Acorn jelly, for example, is brown while arranged on top of steamed rice and mixed mung bean jelly has an opaque whiteness. It with Korean chili paste (gochujang). Although is very filling, yet extremely low in calories and the original bibimbap has beef, there are hence ideal for those on a diet. It is typically many variations like the wild vegetable dipped in soy sauce or mixed with crown bibimbap (sanchae bibimbap). daisies, cucumber, carrots and other vegetables and seasoned like a salad.

Japchae ⓒKorea Tourism Organization In japchae, various vegetables are sautéed with glass noodles and seasoned with soy sauce. This is the most common form of japchae, but there is also burdock japchae, bean sprout japchae and leek japchae. This is a dish almost always present on festive occasions. Tofu Dishes Soft tofu is a common side dish ingredient on the Korean table. To make tofu, beans soaked in water are ground, then solidified with salt water. Popular tofu dishes include tofu simmered in soy sauce, tofu and kimchi, soft tofu stew, and more. Koreans call beans “the beef of the fields,” hence they are a great protein food for vegetarians.

08 09 Temple Food Restaurants

1 Chaegeundam 채근담 MAP C3 The vegetable broth here is made by simmering vegetables, mushrooms, and a zanthozylum powder in a large pot. The result is a soup that is as rich and hearty as any meat broth. The dishes differ by the season because the restaurant uses seasonal ingredients. Reservations required. Dam Set Menu \45,000 11:30–15:00 & 18:00–22:00 (Chu- seok & Seollal holidays) English, Japanese, Chinese English 10-min walk from Exit 3 of Samseong (World Trade Center Seoul) Stn., Line 2 02-555-9173

2 Balwoo Gongyang 발우공양 MAP B2 This restaurant specializes in temple food, made up of all-natural ingredients to improve both body and soul. The natural flavors and colors of the ingredients create a work of art on every table. This is a must visit restaurant for vegetarians. 18 Paramitas Table \27,500; 12 Dharmacakras Table \39,600; 15 Enlightenments Table \58,300 11:40–13:20, 13:30–15:00 & 18:00–20:50 (Chuseok & Seollal holidays) English, Japanese English, Japanese 5-min walk from Exit 6 of Anguk Stn., Line 3 02-2031-2081

3 Gamnodang 감로당 MAP B1 Gamnodang specializes in healthy dishes made of cactus and mountain greens. All the dishes are served as a course meal, and are as colorful as they are Recommended delicious. Course Meal \26,000–110,000 12:00–15:00 & 18:00–21:30 Restaurants for (New Year’s Day, Buddha’s Birthday, Chuseok & Seollal holidays) English, Chinese, French English, Japanese, Chinese 5-min walk from Exit 4 of (Government Complex Seoul) Vegetarians Stn., Line 3 02-3210-3397

Korean cuisine is very tasty, healthy and vegetarian-friendly. Following is a list of recommended dishes and restaurants for Restaurant Information Main Menu & Price Hours vegetarians. (Closing Days) * If no closing days are indicated, restaurant is open year- round. Foreign Language Spoken Foreign Language Menu Directions Inquiries 10 11 Temple Food Restaurants Vegetarian Restaurants

4 Jeoksubang 적수방 MAP B2 6 Hangwachae 한과채 MAP B2 This is a temple food restaurant operated by the Fo Guang Shan This is a traditional Korean vegetarian cuisine restaurant where Monastery in Taiwan. It serves both Taiwanese and Korean cuisine, organic vegetables and homemade Korean condiments such as and, as temple food should be made, does not use strong spices Korean chili paste (gochujang), soybean paste (doenjang) and and condiments. Even the kimchi does not contain the usual soy sauce (ganjang) are the principal ingredients. Hangwachae salted seafood. Both Chinese and other healthy teas are provided. does not use any artificial seasonings, and their kimchi does not Bibimbap \6,000; Sandwiches \4,000 11:00–22:00 (Sundays & national contain salted seafood. holidays) Chinese Chinese 3-min walk from Exit 2 of Dongguk Univ. Stn., Buffet \12,000 11:30–14:30 & 17:00–20:30 (Sundays, Chuseok & Seollal holi- Line 3 02-2276-0993 days) English 10-min walk from Exit 6 of Anguk Stn., Line 3 02-720-2802

5 Aseungji 아승지 MAP A3 7 SM Vegetarian Buffet SM 채식부페 MAP C3 Here, you can try aromatic hijiki rice and This popular vegetarian restaurant has 10 branches rice with seasoned cirsium (thistle). The in Seoul alone. The organic vegetables are seasoned lunch-only menu is half set and half buffet, with mild spices and condiments. Cooking techniques and reservations are required. typically applied to meat are used on beans and Korean Full Course Meal \18,000 12:00–15:00 various other healthy ingredients. (Weekends, Chuseok & Seollal holidays) English, Buffet \13,000 11:30–14:30 & 18:00–21:00 (Chuseok & Seollal Japanese 2–3 min walk from the Singil 4-dong days) English, Japanese, Chinese 10-min walk from Eonnam Community Center 02-836-8442 High School 02-576-9637

8 Vegiholic 베지홀릭 MAP A2 This is a vegetarian bakery that uses absolutely no eggs, Temple Food Temple food is good for the mind and the body. butter or milk, and sells 100% vegan breads. The 1st It avoids meats and strongly scented ingredients such as garlic, and 2nd floors provide ample seating. You can also order wild rocambole, green onions, and the like. Most ingredients are muffins, cakes, cookies and other vegan pastries from gathered from the slopes of mountains instead of the supermarket their website. and seasonal vegetables are naturally flavored. Vegan Tortilla \4,000; Vegan Pastries \3,000; 7 grain baguette \3,000 10:00–22:00 English English 10-min walk from Exit 3 of Hongik Univ. Stn., Line 2 or AREX 070-4114-0458

9 Cook & Book 쿡앤북 MAP A2 This is a macrobiotic café in the Hongik University area that sells cakes and cookies made using vegetable oil and other macrobiotic ingredients in place of butter and eggs. Healthy drinks like soy lattes are also available. Whole Foods Brownie \5,000; Real Soymilk Chocolate \6,000 12:00–23:00 (Mondays) English 10-min walk from Exit 8 of Hongik Univ. Stn., Line 2 or AREX 02-325-1028

12 13 Restaurants with a Vegetarian Menu

10 Ganga 강가 MAP B2 14 Namaste 나마스테 MAP B2 Experience the best of India at this authentic curry This is an Indian / Nepalese restaurant that is restaurant. Although Ganga has various branches generally cheaper than other similar restaurants. throughout Seoul, the main Apgujeong-dong The ‘Veggie Lunch’ includes a vegetable curry or restaurant is the highest-rated. palak paneer. Curry \10,000–20,000; Samosa (vegetable) \6,000 Veggie Lunch \12,000 & \18,000; Curry \8,000, 11:30–15:00 & 17:30–22:00 English, Indian Eng- \9,000 & \12,000 11:00–22:30 English 1–2 lish 1–2 min walk from Exit 3 of Apgujeong Stn., Line 3 min walk from Exit 5 of Stn., Line 1 or 6 02- 02-3444-3610 2232-2286

11 Sandang 산당 MAP C2 15 Dal 달 MAP B1 The table setting at Sandang is a work of art, most Located inside a gallery, Dal offers fine Indian cuisine probably because the chef is a painter. Here you can try prepared by chefs from the homeland. A vegetarian unique Korean dishes cooked with no artificial additives. course menu is available. The décor of the restaurant The chef only uses Korean ingredients to produce a tasty will make you feel as if you were in India. fusion dish. Lunch Course \28,000–32,000; Dinner Course \38,000~ Course \50,000–220,000 12:00–22:00 (Mondays, Chuseok & 12:00–15:00 & 18:00–22:00 (New Year’s day, Chuseok & Se- Seollal holidays) English, Japanese, Chinese 10-min walk from ollal day) English, Indian English 10-min walk from Exit Exit 3 of Apgujeong Rodeo Stn., 02-542-3959 1 of Anguk Stn., Line 3 02-736-4627

12 Nwijo 뉘조 MAP B2 This restaurant specializes in medicinal foods made with wild vegetables and natural seasonings. Recommended dishes include geunchaessam, or vegetables wrapped in potato slices marinated with enzymes, and bburi beombeok, ground lotus root, sweet potato and pumpkin wrapped in mulberry leaf. Vegetarian Korean Set Menu \27,500 & \38,500 11:30–16:00 & 17:00–22:00 (New Year’s Day, and the day before and day of Chuseok & Seollal ) English, Japanese, Chinese English, Japanese 5-min walk from Exit 6 of Anguk Stn., Line 3 02-730-9301

13 Jirisan 지리산 MAP B2 This is a traditional Korean cuisine restaurant with vegetarian dishes. The ‘Jirisan Set Menu’ includes over 30 side dishes such as assorted seasoned vegetables, pureed soybean, tofu with stir-fried kimchi, pickled chili peppers and braised burdock. Vegetarian Korean Cuisine \15,000 & \20,000 12:30–22:00 (Chu- seok & Seollal day) English, Japanese, Chinese English, Japanese, Chinese 2–3 min walk from Exit 6 of Anguk Stn., Line 3 02-723-4696

14 15 16 Congdu 콩두 MAP B1 This place serves various Korean dishes made of tofu such as tofu steak and tofu tiramisu. The menu only has course meals and reservations are required. It is located inside the Seoul History Museum. Lunch Course \30,800–57,200; Dinner Course \49,500–110,000 11:30–14:00 & 17:30–22:00 English English 10-min walk from Exit 7 of Gwanghwamun (Sejong Center for the Performing Arts) Stn. Line 5 02-722-7002

17 Kyotofu 교토푸 MAP B2 As the name implies, Kyotofu is a Japanese restaurant dedicated to bean curd. The sweet tofu pudding is especially recommended.

Vegan Brownie \9,000 Weekdays: 11:30–22:30; Weekends: 11:00–23:00 (Mondays, Chuseok & Seollal holidays) English English 5-min walk from Exit 3 of Hangangjin Stn. Line 6 02- 749-1488

18 Taco Chili Chili 타코칠리칠리 MAP B2 Here, Mexican food has been adapted to satisfy Korean palates and you can choose from 4 levels of spiciness. Vegetarian tacos are also available.

Enchilada \9,000; Taco \5,000 11:00–22:00 (Chuseok & Seollal days) English, Spanish English 5-min walk from Exit 2 of Nok- sapyeong Stn., Line 6 02-797-7219

16 17 Halal Restaurants

Restaurant Main Menu Hours Directions Inquiries a Dubai Shish Taouk, 1-min walk from Exit 3 of 12:00–23:00 02-798-9277 Restaurant Dubai Kebab Itaewon Stn., Line 6 b Foreign 2-min walk from Exit 3 of Curry buffet 11:30–23:00 02-794-9292 Restaurant Itaewon Stn., Line 6 c Kervan Kebab, 1-min walk from Exit 3 of 11:30–22:00 02-792-4767 Restaurant Lamb Chop Itaewon Stn., Line 6 d Marakech Tagine, 2-min walk from Exit 4 of 10:00–22:00 02-795-9441 Night Royal couscous Itaewon Stn., Line 6 Falafel, Tabbouleh, 3-min walk from Exit 1 of e Petra 11:00–22:00 02-790-4433 Kebab Noksapyeong Stn., Line 6 10-min walk from Exit 3 of f Salam Kebab 12:00–22:00 02-793-4323 Itaewon Stn., Line 6 Curry, 5-min walk from Exit 1 of 02-797-7262 g Agra 11:30–22:00 Tandoori Chicken Itaewon Stn., Line 6 Weekdays: Tandoori Chicken, 11:30–15:00 & 8-min walk from Exit 3 of h Alsaba Lamb chop, 17:00–22:00; 02-792-1488 Noksapyeong Stn., Line 6 Seekh Kebab Weekends: 11:30–22:00 Curry, 2-min walk from Exit 1 of i Moghul 12:00–22:30 02-796-5501 Tandoori Chicken Itaewon Stn., Line 6 Tandoori Chicken, 5-min walk from Exit 3 of j Taj Palace Butter Chicken, 11:00–22:00 02-790-5786 Itaewon Stn., Line 6 Curry

MAP Gyeongridan-gil

National Museum of Korea The War Memorial of Korea i e Hamilton Itaewon Street 1 2 Noksapyeong g Itaewon 3 Itaewon 119 safety center 4 c Line6 Itaewon Shopping Center a

Itaewon Market d j b Seoul Central Mosque

0 50 100m h Itaewon Antique Street f

18 18 19 MAP A GUIDE FOR VEGETARIANS A B C Mia Eunpyeong-gu (Seoul Cyber Univ) Temple Food Restaurants Vegetarian Restaurants Restaurants with a Vegetarian Menu [ Subway · Railroad ] Bukhansan National Park Line 1 Line 7 Dream Forest SinBundang Line Bus Terminal Nowon-gu Hotel 1 Chaegeundam [C3] 6 HangwachaeYeonsinnae [B2] 10 Ganga [B2] 15 Dal [B1] Line 2 Line 8 Jungang Line Train Station Others 2 Balwoo Gongyang [B2] 7 SM Vegetarian Buffet [C3] 11 Sandang [C2] 16 Congdu [B1] Line 3 Line 9 Gyeongui Line Tunnel Taereung Line 6 3 Gamnodang [B1] 8 Vegiholic [A2] 12 Nwijo [B2] 17 Kyotofu [B2] Line 4 A’REX Railway Seokgye Ferry Boat Quay Gyeongchun Line Line 5 (Airport Railroad) Not Open Swimming Pools 4 Jeoksubang [B2] 9 Cook & Book [A2]Bulgwang 13 Jirisan [B2] 18 Taco Chili Chili [B2] Seongbuk-gu Line 6 Bundang Line University Bonghwasan (Mt.) 5 Aseungji [A3] 14 Namaste [B2]

Palgakjeong Park 1 Gireum 1 Jongno-gu Holiday Inn Jungang Line Seongbuk-gu Seoul Seongbuk Sangbong Bus Terminal H Kyung Hee University Sangbong an Baengnyeonsan (Mt.) (F ya (Intercity Bus Terminal) or ng ng tre do seo ss seo Do ll) wa ng Hoegi g a ll) Korea University Line 7 an s w Jungnang-gu ny es 16 a rtr Grand Hilton Seoul H o (F

DMC Gallery Line 9 Cheongnyangni Ansan (Mt.) 15 3 28 29 30 (University31 of Seoul) Digital Media City 13 12 Dongmyo Sinseol-dong 2 6 Gyeonggi- Seoul World Cup Seodaemun-gu 14 Dongdaemun-gu Stadium do Haneul Park Gyeongui Line Ewha Achasan (Mt.) Womans Pyeonghwa Park Yonsei University University Sindang 8 Wangsimni 4 Gwangjin-gu Hongik Univ. 32 33 Cheonggu 34 35 Chungjeongno Myeong-dong Sheraton Hanyang Gunja Grande Walkerhill 9 Ewha Womans (Kyonggi Univ.) (Bridge) Sinchon Yaksu University (Neung-dong) Gimpo Seongsandaegyo Univ. W Seoul- International (Mt.) Walkerhill Hapjeong Hongik University Mapo-gu Seoul Station Seongdong-gu 2 Airport Children's Line 5 2 Seonyudo Grand Park Park Lotte City Gongdeok Geondae Rodeo 36 37 38 39 Street (Bridge) Grand Hyatt Seoul Seongsu Konkuk University Gwangnaru

Line 9 Seongsudaegyo Yanghwa daegyo Oksu (Presbyterian College &

Seonyudo Donghodaegyo (Bridge) Dangsancheolgyo Best Western Premier Konkuk Univ. Theological Seminary) (Railroad Bridge) 17 (Bridge)(Islet) Seoul Garden Samgakji 18 (Bridge) Olympic-daegyo Mok-dong Seogangdaegyo IP Boutique Dongseoul Bus Stadium Dangsan Itaewon Terminal (Bridge) Mapodaegyo Jamsilcheolgyo (Bridge) (Railroad Bridge) The Lexington Hannamdaegyo Yongsan (Bridge) Capital (Bridge) Apgujeong Jamsildaegyo Park 40 41 4210 43 Yeongdeungpo-gu Office Station Yeongdongdaegyo Wonhyodaegyo(Bridge) Sinsa-dong 11 (Bridge) Marriott Executive Yongsan Park Garosu-gil Ellui (Bridge) Apartments Yeouido Yeouido Cheongdamdaegyo Park Centre - Seoul Ichon Gangnam-gu Banpodaegyo Yeouido Saetgang Hangangcheolgyo (National Office Ecological Park (Railroad Bridge) (Bridge) Museum of (Bridge) Cheongdam Jamsil Courtyard Marriott Singil Hangangdaegyo Seoul Times Square Korea) Imperial Jamsil Sports (Songpa-gu Office) Palace Complex Yeongdeungpo Station Noryangjin Noryangjin Hangang (River) Lotte Fisheries Yeongdeungpo-gu 44 Express 45Bus 46 47 Sports Complex Seokchon Lake Sindorim Wholesale Market Best Western Premier 5 (Bridge) Terminal Gangnam Ramada Seoul Samseong (World Trade Line 8 Dongjakdaegyo Express Bus Chungang University Center Seoul) Guro Terminal Seolleung Songpa-gu The Ritz-Carlton 1 (Stream) Incheon Dongjak JW Marriot Renaissance Seokchon-dong (Seoul National Cemetery) International Seoul Palace Seoul Ancient Baekje-era Dongjak-gu Provista Gangnam-gu Stone Mound Tombs 3 Airport Seoul National Gangnam 3 Memorial Board Seocho-gu Bundang Boramae Park 48 49 50 51 Guro-gu Daerim Seoul Nat'l Univ. of Education Line (Guro-gu Office) (Court & Public Prosecutor's Office) Dogok Chongshin Line 3 Line 2 Univ.(Isu) Yangjae Seoripul Park (Seocho-gu Office) Suseo

Gasan Digital 4 Line Nambu Bus

Sillim SinBundang Complex Best Western Premier Guro Terminal Geumcheon

Gwanak-gu Line Fashion Town Yangjaecheon (Stream) Line 1 52 53 54 55 Line 2 Sadang 7 Geumcheon-gu Nakseongdae Park Seoul Grand Umyeonsan (Mt.) Park A B C Ordering Tips Useful Phrases for Vegetarians at restaurants

➊ When ordering, ask if there is a vegetarian menu. Can I see the menu, please? 메뉴판을 보여주세요. [Menu-pan eul boyeojuseyo.] ➋ When ordering set menus, check to make sure that meats, seafood, eggs and salted seafood weren’t used as minor ingredients.

➌ Koreans usually use beef, anchovies, or dried shrimp as a soup base. Is there a/an (English) menu? Make sure it is a vegetable based broth. (영어) 메뉴판은 없나요? [(Yeongeo) menu-pan eun eopnayo?] ➍ Salted seafood is a condiment used in most kimchis. Ask for kimchi with no added salted seafood (jeotgal), or ask for white kimchi or nabak kimchi.

➎ Breads and cookies may contain butter and eggs in the dough. Can I have some water, please? 물 좀 주세요. [Mul jom juseyo.] ➏ The common bibimbap is topped with beef and an egg. Ask for these to be left out when ordering. In some cases beef broth is used in making rice, so be sure to check. Can I have a wet towel, please? ➐ Ramen, noodles, dumplings and other dishes that claim to be 물티슈 주세요. [Multishyu juseyo.] meat-less may not be vegetarian.

➑ If you are at a barbecue restaurant, you can ask for a bowl of rice and I’ll have (Name of food). eat the vegetable side dishes. (메뉴 이름) 주세요. [(Name of food) juseyo.]

➒ The broth for cold buckwheat noodles (naengmyeon) is meat based, as is the sauce for the spicy buckwheat noodles. Can you take out the meat, please? ➓ Soybean stew, kimchi stew and soft tofu stew usually contain seafood or 고기는 빼주세요. [Gogineun bbaejuseyo.] other meats.

 Even if it’s a vegetable pizza, it may still contain some animal products. Don’t make it spicy, please. 맵지 않게 해주세요. [Maepji anke haejuseyo.]

How much is it? 얼마 입니까? [Eolma imnikka?]

Do you take credit cards? 카드 됩니까? [Cadeu dwemnikka?]

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